Just the Beginning (Grace VanderWaal album)
Introduction
“Just the Beginning” is the debut studio album by Grace VanderWaal, a talented American singer-songwriter who gained fame at a young age. Released on November 3, 2017, when VanderWaal was just 13 years old, the album features twelve original tracks that showcase her unique voice and songwriting skills. This project marks her first full-length album following her successful debut EP, “Perfectly Imperfect,” which came out in 2016. The album was produced by a team of notable names in the music industry, including Ido Zmishlany and Gregg Wattenberg, and it debuted at number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart. VanderWaal’s journey into the music industry is characterized by her authenticity and ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt lyrics and melodies.
Background and Promotion
Grace VanderWaal began working on “Just the Beginning” in early 2017, expressing to Billboard her desire for the album to be “more produced” with a sound that retained her signature style but ventured into new territory. She aimed to create a project that would resonate with fans while showcasing her growth as an artist. This approach involved collaborating with seasoned songwriters and producers, a departure from her previous methods of writing songs on her own. She described this process as somewhat daunting but ultimately rewarding, allowing her to share personal stories through her music.
The promotion for “Just the Beginning” kicked off with live performances of two songs, “Burned” and “Just a Crush,” at a benefit concert in New Jersey on May 21, 2017. The excitement continued to build as VanderWaal premiered the first single from the album, “Moonlight,” during VidCon’s opening night show on June 21. Shortly after, she released the official music video for “Moonlight,” which quickly garnered over 45 million views on YouTube, underscoring her rising popularity.
In August 2017, VanderWaal made several television appearances to promote her new music, including a return to “America’s Got Talent,” where she had previously won in 2016. The months leading up to the album’s release were filled with single releases and performances that kept fans engaged. She released additional singles such as “Sick of Being Told” and “So Much More Than This,” further building anticipation for the album. As part of her promotional efforts, she also participated in various radio and television events leading up to the album release.
Production Team
The production of “Just the Beginning” involved collaborations with multiple talented individuals who contributed their expertise to create a polished final product. Notable producers included Ido Zmishlany, Tim Sommers, Sean Douglas, Greg Wells, and Gregg Wattenberg among others. The recording sessions took place at various studios across New York and California, reflecting a diverse approach to sound and style.
The recording locations varied widely—from VsTheWorld Studios in Brooklyn to Westlake Studios in Los Angeles—allowing VanderWaal access to different environments and resources that enriched the production quality of the album. This multifaceted approach helped shape each track uniquely while maintaining cohesion throughout the album.
Reception of Just the Beginning
The reception of “Just the Beginning” was largely positive among critics and fans alike. Prior to its official release, individual tracks were reviewed favorably; many praised VanderWaal’s mature sound that belied her age. For instance, Gil Kaufman of Billboard highlighted how “Moonlight” combined fun tropical beats with deeper emotional themes, showcasing VanderWaal’s growth as an artist.
Critics noted that VanderWaal’s vocals often drew comparisons to seasoned artists like Taylor Swift and Florence Welch while maintaining a distinct youthful quality that resonated with listeners. Reviews emphasized how songs like “Sick of Being Told” reflected her spirited personality while tracks such as “A Better Life” displayed raw emotion beyond her years. The diverse songwriting across twelve tracks allowed VanderWaal to express a range of scenarios and feelings that appealed to both young audiences and adult listeners.
The overall sentiment from reviews suggested that VanderWaal succeeded in transcending typical genre boundaries. From pop-infused tracks to acoustic elements reminiscent of her earlier work, she was able to craft an album that felt both fresh and familiar. Critics from various publications acknowledged this balance as one of the standout features of “Just the Beginning.”
Commercial Success
<p"Commercially, "Just the Beginning" performed respectably upon its release. It debuted at number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 21,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week—an impressive feat for a debut album from such a young artist. Traditional album sales accounted for a significant portion of this total, demonstrating strong support from fans eager to hear more from VanderWaal.
Furthermore, streaming numbers indicated sustained interest in VanderWaal’s music following the release of “Just the Beginning.” By December 2025, Spotify reported that the album had accumulated over 352 million streams—a testament to its lasting appeal in an increasingly digital music landscape.
Conclusion
“Just the Beginning” serves as an impressive introduction to Grace VanderWaal’s artistry and potential within the music industry. With its blend of personal storytelling and diverse musical influences, the album highlights not only her talent as a singer-songwriter but also her ability to connect with listeners through relatable themes and catchy melodies. As VanderWaal continues to grow as an artist, “Just the Beginning” remains a pivotal moment in her career—a foundation upon which she can build future projects while maintaining authenticity and creativity.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).